By:
Submission
This is a 20 acre open field with a creek run through. There is a pond where you can enjoy viewing a variety of birds, frogs and turtles. There is no cell service or light pollution. It is very quiet here and on sacred Indigenous land. Artesian Hotsprings are only 6.5 miles away from camping area! Property is 4 miles to Flat head river and 3 miles to Rainbow lake. It is halfway in between Kalispell and Missoula and 2 hours to Glacier Mountain Park.
The scenic drive into the Pryor Mountains from Lovell alone is worth it. There is a ~2 mile gravel forest service road to the parking area and then a ~1.5 mile hike on a closed (to vehicles) section of the same road to the medicine wheel site. The hike starts and ends about about 9700 feet elevation, but there are some dips and rises along the way. Generally the hike is pretty moderate difficulty. The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is interesting and apparently used for various Native American ceremonies, but for me the highlight was the stunning location and views both along the hike and at the medicine wheel site. There are well maintained pit toilets at both the parking area and adjacent to the medicine wheel.
The sign at the entrance states “few…leave without experiencing something out of the ordinary.” I suggest one visit with this understanding and ponder why the effort was made to journey to and create such a feature. Whether teenagers goofing off, an early astronomy observation attempt, a place of teaching or initiation, or a spiritual retreat, there is a purpose to this location. The short hike to the site is a fitting preparation, as simple as it is, to prepare one to ponder the significance of the site, not just to those Native Americans who have made this a place of reflection and even worship, but for one’s own journey.
Beautiful historical site. We went June 21st. The road to the wheel was clear, no snow. The hike up to the wheel was easy for some that were more in shape and used to the altitude but more difficult for those who weren't.
Gorgeous and inspiring place! The drive in is beautiful and smooth, so no excuses. If you've never been into this country before, prepare for an other worldly experience. The Bighorns and the Bighorn Basin are spiritual places for sure.
